Hello, hope you are having a great summer. Last article was about the history of the Peacemakers Motorcycle Club and their event. So, this week I thought it might be nice to learn a little bit about the Hillbillies and Veteran Bikers (not a club). This ride was started by Martin in 2014. Martin started this ride to help local veterans in need. It has grown into one of the biggest rides in our area. He wanted to start the ride in East Tennessee and end in Maggie Valley North Carolina at the Hillbilly Jam and the Hillbilly Show and Shine. Hillbilly Jam has not always been called the Hillbilly Jam. In its first year it was called Hillbilly Woodstock but the name had to be changed when a lawyer from New York called and the name Woodstock had been patented and they could use the name. So it now and forever will be known as the Hillbilly Jam. The Dog Tag Brigade Veteran Motorcycle Club has made this a mandatory ride for their club. The Dog Tag Brigade Motorcycle Club was chartered in September of 2014. Martin to has also joined this great group of men and women who have served or are serving our military forces across the globe and are now serving our local community to help veterans in need.
This ride starts with a pre ride party on Friday July 22nd at East Tennessee Distillery in Piney Flats 6pm to 11pm Cover charge is by donation. You can expect: Big Boy Pop Ups Food Truck (outstanding food), Midnight Gypsys live, Car and Bike Cruise-in, Door Prizes, Corn hole Tournament, 50/50 Drawing, T-Shirts and Merchandise. FREE Moonshine Slushie with Pre-Reg for Saturday’s Ride. Proceeds from the Pre Ride Party and the Ride go to helping veterans in need through the Dog Tag Brigade Veteran Motorcycle Club.
Then Saturday July 23rd The 8th Annual Hillbilly and Veteran Ride at the VFW Post 9724 Jonesborough, TN Registration 8:30 am – 9:45am Leave in groups of 15, $20 per bike, arrive with full tank, 1 gas stop, roll from Jonesborough to Hot Springs to Maggie Valley (93 miles) when you get to Maggie Valley North Carolina you can expect: Spectators $10 per day / 10 & under FREE! Hillbilly Jam features loads of entertainment, Food, Crafts, Corn hole, Car & Bike Show, TV Celebrities and Moonshiners. Meet James Hatfield, of the original Hatfield’s and McCoy’s, owner of Feudshine Spirits and Garage, Feudshine Bob will be showing up in his new ride, join in the adrenaline rush of the Hatfield and McCoy tug-of-war.
Useless Facts:
1. One of the greatest misconceptions of the 4th of July lies in the name and date. It is widely believed that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before and the “Declaration” was published in papers on July 4.
2. Americans Will Enjoy 150 Million Hot Dogs During the 4th According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council
3. Only Two Men Signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 Charles Thompson and the infamous John Hancock were the only two men who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed over the course of the next month.
4. There is Something Written on the Back of the Declaration of Independence... and no, it isn't a treasure map written in invisible ink. According to the History Channel, a simple message is written upside-down across the bottom of the signed document that reads, "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." According to the same article, no one knows who wrote this or when, but it was believed to have been added as a label during the years of the Revolutionary War when parchment was frequently rolled up for transport.
5. The Average Age of the Signers Was 45 Years. Of the 56 signers, the youngest signers, Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, were only 26. However, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest signer at 70 years old.
6. The Declaration of Independence Was Written on a Laptop
... Okay, not a modern laptop, but still. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on a writing desk that could fit over one's lap. This device was referred to at the time as a "laptop."
7. Men Love Fireworks... $1 Billion Worth
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 12,900 firework-related emergency room visits across the country. According to Fortune Magazine, of those injuries occurring between June and July, almost 70% were experienced by men.
8. Bottoms Up with 2x the Rum. On the second anniversary of Independence Day in 1778, American troops were fighting the American Revolutionary War. During this time, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for American soldiers to celebrate the holiday with.
9. Fireworks = An American Tradition Dating Back to 1777
Fireworks date back as a tradition of Independence Day as early as the first anniversary in 1777. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and "Illuminations." This original letter was written when Adams presumed that Independence Day would be celebrated on July 2.
10. A Little Late to the Parade, July 4th was not deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded.
Local Events:
1. Family Block Party July 16th 2pm at Tennessee Hills Distillery
2. Hillbilly and Vets Pre Party July 22 at Mellowmoon 6pm
3. Hillbilly Jam and Hillbilly Show and Shine
Rallies:
1. Boozy Creek Dirt Drags July 1st to July 3rd
2. Sturgis Kentucky Bike Rally July 13th to 17th
Rides:
1. East Tennessee Vapors Car,Truck & Motorcycle Show July 16th
2. Marlene Dugger Cancer Ride July 23rd
Bike Nights:
1. Kingsport Moose Riders Every Wednesday
2. 19E Pit Stop Every Wednesday
3. Quaker Steak & Lube Every Thursday
4. Tulips Grub & Pub Every Friday
5. Peacemakers Bike Night 801 Boozy Creek Every 3rd Friday of each month
6. East Coast Wings Every Wednesday
7. Dog Tag Brigade Every Wednesday at Jonesborough VFW
8. The Pub Out Back Every Monday